[Mollusca • 2022] Dendronotus shpataki • A New Species of the Genus Dendronotus (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology

  

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.

Ekimova, Mikhlina, Antokhina & Schepetov, 2022

 

DOI: doi.org/10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Abstract

 The nudibranch genus Dendronotus Alder et Hancock, 1845 is a common component of boreal and arctic ecosystems, which has recently received a considerable attention due to its high cryptic diversity. Here we describe a new species Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. from the northwestern Sea of Japan, using the material and observations provided by Andrey Shpatak, a local citizen, diver and underwater photographer. We studied morphological features of the new species, including external morphology, coloration, jaw and radular morphology, and configuration of the reproductive system, as well as its ecological traits including possible diet preferences. We obtained DNA sequences and reconstructed the phylogeny by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood approaches using four molecular markers (mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA, and nuclear histone H3 and 28S rRNA), and tested the boundaries between the species by calculating the uncorrected p-distances and automatic species delimitation methods ABGD and GMYC. Our results show that D. shpataki sp. nov. differs both morphologically and genetically from all other Dendronotus species. The new species possibly represents a unique example of local endemism, being found in a single locality, while other local Dendronotus species demonstrate wide distribution in the North-West Pacific. We also report on a considerable wearing of the radular teeth during feeding, which is a remarkable case for the Dendronotus.

Key words: North-West Pacific, biodiversity, morphology, radula, molecular markers, phylogeny, Nudibranchia, Dendronotidae, Dendronotus, new species

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov., general appearance of living specimens.
 Holotype: dorsal view (A), lateral view (B) and ventral view (C).
Paratypes, dorsal view: adult specimens MIMB42309 (D), MIMB42308 (E), MIMB42305 (F)
and juvenile MIMB42306 (G). 

Scale bar: 5 mm.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.
 Paratype MIMB42302 (A–C); the first documented finding of the new species in May 2015,
 the specimen was not collected (D); paratypes MIMB42303 (E, F).

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov.

I.A. Ekimova, A.L. Mikhlina, T.I. Antokhina and D.M. Schepetov. 2022. A Description of Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology. Zoosystematica Rossica. 31(1); 3–19. DOI: 10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579_A_description_of_Dendronotus_shpataki_from_the_Sea_of_Japan

[Botany • 2026] Atrostemma mexicanum (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae: Gonolobinae) • A New Species and First Record of the Genus Atrostemma in Mexico

 

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado & Rodríguez-Gómez,  

in Martínez-Domínguez, Rodríguez-Gómez, Alvarado-Cárdenas, Díaz-Mota et Pío-Léon, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2640 

  x.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

Background and Aims: The genus Atrostemma (Apocynaceae) includes 10 climbing plant species of subtribe Gonolobinae, which are distributed from Guatemala to Brazil. This paper describes a new species of Atrostemma for the state of Veracruz, Mexico; this is also the first record of the genus for the country.

Methods: The new species was discovered during botanical expeditions in the municipality of Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, from December 2025 to June 2026. The taxonomic identification was carried out by reviewing specialized literature and consulting type specimens available online. Its conservation status was assessed according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Key results: Atrostemma mexicanum sp. nov. is endemic to Veracruz, Mexico, and grows in riparian vegetation similar to subtropical evergreen forest and in transition zones between oak forest and tropical deciduous forest, at elevations above 700 m. It is distinguished from the other Atrostemma species of Central America (A. glaberrimum, A. hadrostemmum, and A. hammelii) by its shorter calyx lobes, as well as differences in indumentum and the length of the gynostegium stipite. A record on iNaturalist suggests the presence of a second population between the municipalities of Córdoba and Orizaba, Veracruz. However, it could not be physically located despite explorations in the area where the record was made. Due to its restricted distribution and highly fragmented habitat, it is proposed that the new species be listed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Conclusions: The number of known species in the genus increases to 11 and it is the first species recorded in Mexico, which extends its northern range. This study highlights the importance of continuing botanical and conservation explorations of ecosystems, even when these are already fragmented.

Keywords: flora of Veracruz, iNaturalist, oak forest, tropical deciduous forest, tropical subdeciduous forest

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez 

(A-C) Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez 
 (D-F) Atrostemma hadrostemmum (W.D.Stevens) Morillo 

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez sp. nov.

Atrostemma mexicanum differs from its Mesoamerican congeners by having shorter calyx lobes. This species is most similar to Atrostemma glaberrimum, but can be distinguished by having glandular trichomes and a stipitate gynostegium

Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Carlos J. Rodríguez-Gómez, Leonardo O. Alvarado-Cárdenas, Sarahí Díaz-Mota and Juan Fernando Pío-Léon. 2026. A New Species and first record of the Genus Atrostemma (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Gonolobinae) in Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 133; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2640 [2026-08-12]

  x.com/LiliMtzD/status/2087921768505753787 

[Arachnida • 2026] Latrodectus lucacha • A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae: Latrodectus)

Latrodectus lucacha  

 Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, 2026

DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs on iNaturalist, extending its inferred distribution into Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. We integrate specimen and citizen-science occurrences to generate a species distribution model using WorldClim bioclimatic variables, predicting highest suitability along temperate to high-elevation Andean regions. We discuss the utility and limitations of citizen-science imagery for delimiting and mapping species and summarize available information on clinical aspects of envenomation in Peru associated with the local “lucacha” widow spider.

Key words: Andes, citizen-science, DNA barcode, iNaturalist, Latrodectus lucacha, new species, Peru, species distribution model, taxonomy

Observations of Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov., from iNaturalist.
A. Female, male and egg case, from Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile; iNaturalist.org (by ferru, CC-BY-NC); B. Female with two egg cases, note parasitoid wasps on egg case, from Nabón, Azuay, Ecuador; iNaturalist.org (by kabirbosques, CC-BY);
C. Female feeding on a beetle, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by ruthgo, CC0); D. Female feeding on a damselfly, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by Mathieu_fr, CC-BY-NC).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.
A–C. From Pantanos de Villa Om, Lima, Peru (MUSM-ENT 051958), microphotographs of adult male; D. From Pachacayo, Junin, Peru (MUSM-ENT 0519569), schematic illustration of female reproductive structures; A, D. Dorsal; B. Lateral; C. Ventral.

Abbreviations: CD copulatory duct, FD Fertilization duct, SP Spermathecae. 

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C), 0.5 mm (D).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Female with three loop copulatory ducts (Figs 2D, 3D–F), distinguishing it from L. geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 and L. quartus Abalos, 1980 (Abalos 1980: figs 39, 66), which have more loops (ca 4), and from L. antheratus (Badcock, 1932) and L. variegatus Nicolet, 1849 (Abalos 1980: figs 49, 58), which have fewer (2). With dorsal longitudinal opisthosomal stripe variable in both width and length (Figs 4, 5), resembling several South American species, but not exhibiting oblique vertical stripes on the posterior quarter ...

Etymology. Lucacha is a common name for widow spiders in Peru (Pickard-Cambridge 1902; Maguiña Vargas et al. 2017).

Jeremy Miller, Chris Alice Kratzer and Charles Griswold. 2026. Description of A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus). ZooKeys. 1281: 49-67. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

[Entomology • 2026] Kongobatha spinosistyla, K. serpens & K. rufilinea • Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini)

Kongobatha spinosistyla Connors, 

in Connors, Yeeles, Lach et  Rentz, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2

 

Abstract

Kongobatha is one of the most commonly encountered of all Australian mantis genera, and yet despite this, very little is known about the taxonomy or biology of the genus. Described to include a single Australian species, K. diademata, the only subsequent work on the genus has been the description of a second species from New Guinea, K. papua. We here describe three additional species, K. spinosistyla Connors sp. nov., K. serpens Connors sp. nov., and K. rufilinea Connors sp. nov., and redescribe K. diademata and K. papua in detail, the latter of which is recorded from Australia for the first time. We also describe for the first time the unusual, heavily spinose styli of male Kongobatha. These are apparently unique among Mantodea as a whole, but their function remains unknown. 

Mantodea, mantis, snake mantis, Australia, New Guinea, taxonomy, styli, citizen science

Male and female Kongobatha spinosistyla (Rainforest Snake Mantis), Kuranda, North Queensland.

photo: Maurice Allan

MATTHEW G. CONNORS, PETER YEELES, LORI LACH and DAVID C.F. RENTZ. 2026. Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 45-84. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2 [2026-05-08]

[Botany • 2024] Megastigma acarrilloi (Rutaceae) • A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico, with the northernmost distribution of the genus

Megastigma acarrilloi Pío-León,

in Pío-León, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2406 

Abstract

Background and Aims: The genus Megastigma has six described species of shrubs distributed from Colima, Mexico, to Nicaragua. Through a routine review of the iNaturalistMX platform in 2023, a record of an individual of the Megastigma genus was observed, although in a very disjunct locality with respect to known species. The collection and subsequent review of the specimens allowed us to determine that it was a new species for science.

Methods: Botanical explorations and collections were carried out during 2023 and 2024 in the Sierra de Barobampo, municipality of Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. The identity of the species was determined by the review of specialized literature. A map with the distribution of each species of the genus was elaborated using the available data in digital repositories and specimens in the MEXU herbarium. The conservation status of the new species was evaluated and proposed according to the IUCN criteria. An identification key is provided for all species of the genus Megastigma.

Results: Megastigma acarrilloi is endemic to northern Sinaloa, Mexico, and has the northernmost distribution of the genus. The species with the closest morphological affinity is M. morenoi, which is endemic to Colima, from which M. acarrilloi differs because it is glabrous and has fewer leaflets per leaf. During the explorations, Lepidopteran larvae of the genus Papilio were observed feeding on its leaves. It is recommended to include M. acarrilloi as a Vulnerable species (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

Conclusions: With the new species, the genus Megastigma is now integrated by seven species, all present in Mexico, and of which six are endemic to the country. Megastigma acarrilloi also represents the first record of the genus for Sinaloa and north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Keywords: Barobampo mountains, endemism, iNaturalist, iNaturalistMX, Megastigma morenoi, Megastigma skinnerii

Megastigma acarrilloi Pío-León, sp. nov.

Juan Fernando Pío-León. 2024. Megastigma acarrilloi (Rutaceae), A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico, with the northernmost distribution of the genus.  Acta Botanica Mexicana. 131; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2406 

[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis maitamae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species (subgenus Ancipitia) discovered through citizen science in the paramo of the Central Andes of Colombia

 

Pleurothallis maitamae  

in Sánchez-Gómez, Gallego-Franco et Wilson, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.3.2 

Abstract

A new species of Pleurothallis (subgenus Ancipitia) is described from the paramos of the Central Andes of Colombia, discovered through citizen science. Pleurothallis maitamae belongs to the P. crocodiliceps complex and is apparently endemic to the paramo fragment of Cerro de Las Palomas, in the municipality of Sonsón, Antioquia at elevations between 2600–3000 meters. This species is distinguished by its robust, medium-sized habit and unique floral morphology, particularly its chestnut-colored, 3-lobed labellum with horn-like lateral lobes and pale yellow to cream-colored flowers with dark-purple spots. Detailed comparisons with morphologically similar species in the complex, including P. andreae, P. ecomingae, P. onagriceps, and P. wielii confirm its distinctiveness. It is also compared with the similar species P. dunstervillei, which is not a member of the P. crocodiliceps complex, but which is similar in general floral features. This discovery highlights the importance of integrating citizen science with traditional taxonomic research to uncover biodiversity in understudied ecosystems such as the Andean paramos.

Orchidaceae, Pleurothallis, Andes, Colombia, Pleurothallidinae, Monocots

Pleurothallis maitamae sp. nov. 

David SÁNCHEZ-GÓMEZ, Yudy GALLEGO-FRANCO and Mark WILSON. 2025. A New Species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from subgenus Ancipitia discovered through citizen science in the paramo of the Central Andes of Colombia. Phytotaxa. 717(3;); 258-268. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.3.2 [2025-09-12]

The species, named Pleurothallis maitamae, was discovered in the transition zone between the high Andean forest and the subparamo, at an altitude ranging from 2,600 to 3,300 meters above sea level. Its habitat is located within the Regional District for Integrated Management (DRMI) Paramo de Vida Maitama — Sonson, a protected area managed by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Negro and Nare River Basins (Cornare).

[Herpetology • 2025] Breviceps batrachophiliorum • A New Rain Frog (Anura: Brevicipitidae; Breviceps) from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

  

Breviceps batrachophiliorum

Du Preez, Netherlands & Minter, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2025.2478896 

ABSTRACT

Breviceps, an African genus of fossorial frogs, comprises 20 species most of which occur in South Africa. In this study we describe a new species that differs morphologically from its closest congener Breviceps verrucosus, in the position of the mouth and relative size of the inner and outer metatarsal tubercles. Its taxonomic status as a separate species is placed beyond doubt by very significant differences in the structure of the advertisement call and substantial genetic divergence (7.5% uncorrected p-distance) in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study demonstrates the value of an integrative approach in taxonomy and that, when assessing the reliability of distribution data, it is better to err on the side of caution.

KEYWORDS: Bioacoustics, Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov., conservation, phylogenetics, morphology, citizen science

Holotype male Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov. (SAIAB 141902) from Boston, KwaZulu-Natal Province:
a – dorsolateral view; b – anterior view; c – ventral view; d – posterior view, showing heel to heel and vertebral lines; e – right hand; f – left foot.

Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov. Du Preez, Netherlands and Minter

 

 L.H. du Preez, E.C. Netherlands and L.R. Minter. 2025. A New Rain Frog (Anura: Brevicipitidae; Breviceps) from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. African Journal of Herpetology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2025.2478896   [19 May 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Anacranae maculata • Review of the Genus Anacranae Miller, 1934 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Catantopinae)

  

 Anacranae maculata

Dawwrueng, Storozhenko & Suwannapoom, 2025. 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.2.9  

 facebook.com/PattarawichDAWWRUENG

Abstract  

The genus Anacranae Miller includes five species distributed in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. A new species, Anacranae maculata sp. nov., is described from northern Thailand. Hitherto unknown male of Anacranae vietnamensis Storozhenko is described and this species is recorded from Thailand for the first time. Anacranae beybienkoi Storozhenko known from northeastern Thailand is also widely distributed in western and northern Thailand. Anacranae nuda Miller and A. gorochovi Storozhenko are endemic to peninsular Malaysia and South Vietnam respectively. A key to species of Anacranae is also given.

Orthoptera, Acrididae, Gereniini, Anacranae, taxonomy, new species, new records, key, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam

Anacranae beybienkoi from Ratchaburi, Thailand

male (above), female (below) 

Anacranae vietnamensis from Chantaburi, Thailand

male (above), female (below) 

Anacranae maculata sp. nov. female from Chiang Rai

Pattarawich DAWWRUENG, Sergey YU. STOROZHENKO and Chatmongkon SUWANNAPOOM. 2025. Review of the Genus Anacranae Miller, 1934 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Catantopinae). Zootaxa. 5632(2); 364-376. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.2.9  [2025-05-07]

 facebook.com/PattarawichDAWWRUENG/posts/9632941903439581

[Botany • 2025] Nasa katjae (Loasaceae) • No end to endemism – Contributions to the difficult Nasa Series Alatae. A New Species from Peru

Nasa katjae  T.Henning, J.P.Allen & R.H.Acuña,

Henning, Allen, Montesinos-Tubeé, Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Peña et Acuña-Castillo, 2025.   

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.141635

Abstract

A new species of Nasa ser. Alatae (Urban & Gilg) Weigend from Northern Peru is described and illustrated. Nasa katjae sp. nov. was at first encountered by an observation on iNaturalist and subsequently collected in the humid Andean forests near Colasay in the province of Jaén (Cajamarca, Peru). Whilst comparing the new species with closely related Nasa loxensis (Kunth) Weigend, a taxon widespread in Southern Ecuador (and tentatively adjacent Peru), a reevaluation of the status of earlier synonymized Loasa calycina Benth. became necessary. Consequently, Nasa calycina comb. nov. is rehabilitated at species level and Nasa loxensis is redefined.

Key words: Amotape-Huancabamba Zone, Andes, Cajamarca, cloud forest, Cornales, iNaturalist, Loasoideae, narrow-endemic 

Lankester Composite Dissection Plate (LCDP) of Nasa katjae
A Flower, fronto-lateral view B flower, lateral view, sepals lifted C frontal view in late anthesis D inflorescence, not the elongated sepals on the young fruits E nectar scale, dorsal view F nectar scale lateral view with free inner staminodes G leaf adaxial surface H leaf abaxial surface I seed.

Credit: A–H J. P. Allen I Y. Malkowsky.

 Nasa katjae T.Henning, J.P.Allen & R.H.Acuña, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species is morphologically most similar to Nasa calycina comb. nov. (see below) and differs from it in its very elongated stems, subscandent habit, proportionately broader leaf blades with a conspicuously deeply cordate base, sepals and petals almost twice as long (to 4 cm and 4.5 cm respectively), sepals and petals of equal length and nectar scales with 3 conspicuous apical dorsal threads up to 5 mm long.

Etymology. The new species is named after Katja Lohse, beloved partner of the first author, mother of their children and steady supporter of his scientific endeavors.

 Tilo Henning, Joshua P. Allen, Daniel Montesinos-Tubeé, Eric F. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, José Luis Marcelo Peña and Rafael Acuña-Castillo. 2025.  No end to endemism – Contributions to the difficult Nasa Weigend Series Alatae (Loasaceae). A New Species from Peru and the Rehabilitation of “ Loasa” calycina Benth. PhytoKeys. 252: 163-186. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.141635

Resumen: Describimos e ilustramos una nueva especie de Nasa ser. Alatae (Urban & Gilg) Weigend del norte de Perú. Nasa katjae sp. nov. fue inicialmente encontrada gracias a la plataforma de ciencia ciudadana iNaturalist y posteriormente recolectada en los bosques húmedos andinos cerca de Colasay en la provincia de Jaén (Cajamarca, Perú). Al comparar la nueva especie con Nasa loxensis (Kunth) Weigend, un taxón estrechamente relacionado y ampliamente distribuido en el sur de Ecuador (y posiblemente en Perú adyacente), fue evidente que una reevaluación del estado de Loasa calycina Benth., anteriormente sinonimizada, era necesaria. En consecuencia, proponemos la rehabilitación de Nasa calycina comb. nov. a nivel de especie y redefinimos a Nasa loxensis basados en la evidencia acumulada.

[Herpetology • 2023] Varanus varius • Using Crowdsourced Photographic Records to explore Geographical Variation in Colour Polymorphism

Colour pattern variation in the Lace monitor Varanus varius 

in Farquhar, Pili et Russell, 2023.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14500  

Abstract

Aim: In wide-ranging taxa occupying broad climate gradients, alternative colour pattern variants (i.e. morphs) may emerge as an adaptive response to local climatic regimes. We explore the patterns of geographical segregation among colour morphs of the Lace monitor and determine whether morphs occupy divergent climatic niches along a mesic–arid gradient.

Location: Eastern and south-eastern Australia.

Taxon: Varanus varius.

Methods: We compiled a dataset of crowdsourced, georeferenced photographic records (n = 1637) of V. varius and scored each photographed lizard as one of two discrete colour pattern phenotypes—Lace morph (mostly dark with fine pale patterning) or Bell's morph (broad yellow and black bands). We then analysed the geographical segregation of colour morphs under an exploratory point-pattern process analysis framework. Finally, we quantified similarities and differences between each colour morphs' realised climatic niche in univariate and multivariate (i.e. Centroid shift, Overlap, Unfilling, and Expansion and n-dimensional hypervolume frameworks) environmental space.

Results: While both morphs co-occur over much of the species' range, there is a coastal–inland clinal transition in the relative densities of the morphs' occurrences—the Bell's morph becomes the more prevalent phenotype towards inland locations and is rare or absent towards coastal regions. Analysis of the realised climatic niches shows that the Bell's morph exploits areas that are relatively more arid, receive more solar irradiation and experience a broader range of thermal extremes than those occupied by the Lace morph.

Main conclusions: 

The mesic–arid transition zone in eastern Australia is a primary axis of environmental variation over which geographical variation in colour polymorphism has emerged in V. varius. More broadly, this study demonstrates how photographs from citizen science platforms can be used to explore geographical variation in colour polymorphisms without needing to conduct expensive, time-consuming field studies on wild organisms.

Keywords: climatic niche divergence, colour pattern polymorphism, COUE, iNaturalist, Lace monitor, mesic-arid gradient, n-dimensional hypervolume, point-pattern process, varanid, Varanus varius

Colour pattern variation in the Lace monitor Varanus varius showing the two discrete, heritable morphs:
(a) Lace morph individual observed near Sydney, New South Wales; (b) Bell's morph individual observed in Glenmorgan, Queensland; (c) males of each morph engaged in combat observed at Woodgate, Queensland.

Photographs by (a) Ken Griffiths, (b) Peter feats and (c) Steve Wilson.

 Jules E. Farquhar, Arman Pili and Wyn Russell. 2023. Using Crowdsourced Photographic Records to explore Geographical Variation in Colour Polymorphism. Journal of Biogeography. 50(8); 1409-1421. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14500  [5 October 2022] 

[Herpetology • 2025] A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Anura: Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of Anilany karsticola, A New Species from western Madagascar

 

Anilany karsticola

Petzold, Glaw, Mullin, Rakotoarison, Raselimanana, Crottini, Orozco-terWengel, Köhler, Prötzel, Vences, Hofreiter & Scherz, 2025 

SALAMANDRA. 61(1) 

www.MarkScherz.com

Abstract

 The cophyline microhylid frog genus Anilany was established as a monotypic genus in 2016 for the miniaturised species Anilany helenae (Vallan, 2000), from the type locality Ambohitantely, a patch of rainforest surrounded by savannah in central Madagascar. Fieldwork conducted over the past two decades identified three unexpected populations from Bemaraha, Mahajanga, and Beanka from limestone caves near sea level in arid western and northwestern Madagascar, which were assigned to the genus Anilany based on diagnostic morphological features. We generated new data for specimens of the Ambohitantely, Bemaraha, and Mahajanga populations to test if all three populations belong to one or multiple species, studying their genetic variability based on mitochondrial (16S rRNA, COI) and nuclear (BDNF, RAG-1) genes, as well as morphological and osteological data. We identify several previously unknown diagnostic characters of the skeleton of Anilany compared to its closest relatives, Rhombophryne and Stumpffia, but no skeletal features that can be used to reliably distinguish among Anilany populations. Based on concordant genetic and morphological differences, we formally describe the population from the limestone karsts of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, formerly considered candidate species Anilany sp. Ca14, as a new species, Anilany karsticola sp. n. It can be distinguished from other Anilany lineages by larger size and shorter relative tibia length, uncorrected p-distances in DNA sequences of the 16S gene amounting to 2.6% and a lack of allele sharing in the analysed fragments of the nuclear genes BDNF and RAG-1. More data, especially advertisement call recordings and additional specimens, are required from other locations for a more thorough assessment of the genus and the distribution of its species.

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Anilany karsticola sp. n., citizen science, iNaturalist, molecular genetics, morphology, osteo­logy, systematics.

Anilany karsticola sp. n. from Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in life:
(a, b) adult female holotype ZSM 21/2006 (FGZC 711) in dorsolateral (a) and ventral (b) views;
(c, d) paratype ZSM 22/2006 (FGZC 712) in dorsolateral (c) and ventral (d) views;
(e–g) paratype UADBA-A 25660 (FGZC 713) in dorsolateral (e) and ventral (f) views, with a closeup of the hand (g) illustrating expanded digits only present on fingers 3 and 4;
(h, i) paratype UADBA-A 25663 (FGZC 714) in dorsolateral (h) and ventral (i) views.

Anilany karsticola sp. n. 

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Anilany on the basis of its small size combined with expanded terminal discs and T-shaped terminal phalanges, short parasphenoid, broad, angled postchoanal vomers, absence of a neopalatine, and close genetic afnities with A. helenae. It can be distinguished from populations of its only described congener, A. helenae, by larger adult body size (adult SVL 15.7–17.4 mm vs. 13.8–15.0 mm Ambohitantely and 12.7 mm Mahajanga) and relative shorter tibia length (TIBL/SVL 0.42–0.46 vs. 0.48 Ambohitantely and 0.47– 0.50 Mahajanga). Furthermore, A. karsticola sp. n. is distinguished from all other genetic lineages of Anilany by the ... 

Etymology: The species epithet karsticola is a first-declension noun derived from the German word ‘Karst’ (a craggy limestone formation), and the Latin lexical suffix ‘-cola’ meaning ‘inhabitor’, in refection of ecology of this species, which has only been found in and near caves in limestone karst within the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The species name is considered as a noun in apposition.

Anilany cf. helenae specimens from Anjajavy:
(a) a putatively adult specimen in dorsolateral view showing contrasting chevron patterning dorsally, and visible expansion of terminal finger discs, typical of this genus. This specimen was observed in dry coastal forest (b); (c) an adult specimen in posterodorsolateral view, showing the dark dorsal chevron and expanded finger discs. Tis specimen was observed in a cave (d), above which was forest like that shown in (b).

Photographs by Justin Gerlach

Petzold, A., F. Glaw, K. E. Mullin, A. Rakotoarison, A. P. Raselimanana, A. Crottini, P. Orozco-terWengel, J. Köhler, D. Prötzel, M. Vences, M. Hofreiter and M. D. Scherz. 2025. A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of A New Species from western Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 70-94. 

http://www.MarkScherz.com/archives/6117

[Entomology • 2024] Sufetula culshawi sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Lathrotelinae): a previously unrecognised species affecting cultivated palms

 

Sufetula culshawi

Young, Hall, Richards & Lees, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.48.126042  

Abstract

A new species of the pantropical genus Sufetula Walker, 1859 (Crambidae: Lathrotelinae) is described. A male specimen was found by Martin Culshaw as an accidental import in Stirlingshire, Scotland, whilst a female specimen was later found in the Natural History Museum collections, which had been reared in southernmost Kyushu, at Ibusuki, Japan. These specimens do not match externally the 31 currently accepted described species in the genus. We obtained a full 658 bp DNA barcode from both specimens (together with all of COI from the Japanese exemplar) that confirmed their conspecificity but showing at least 7.49% p-distance from any presently existing cluster. Phylogenetic analysis, including 14 other exemplars with DNA barcodes from BOLD/GenBank, failed to place the new taxon with any existing lathroteline species group. The Japanese specimen was reared from the roots of an Areca Palm Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Wendland in 1987, whilst the specimen imported to Scotland may have emerged from the same species. This information suggests that the new species is a previously unrecognised coloniser of horticulturally imported palms. Currently we cannot rule out the hypothesis that the species is native to habitats containing palms in the southern Japanese islands, and further specimens should be searched for in collections and in the wild. However, INaturalist images externally diagnostic for the species suggest it is widespread in South East Asia.

a. Dorsal view of Sufetula culshawi paratype male NHMUK013699321 from Stirling, Scotland; b. Ventral view of S. culshawi paratype male;
c. S. culshawi paratype male habitus photo; d. S. culshawi holotype female NHMUK013706270 from Ibusuki, Japan, dorsal view.

 Mark R. Young, Peter R. Hall, Nigel G.J. Richards, David C. Lees. 2025. Sufetula culshawi sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Lathrotelinae): a previously unrecognised species affecting cultivated palms. Nota Lepidopterologica. 48: 1-14. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.48.126042  

[Entomology • 2023] Caribbean Pygmy Jumping Leaves (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae: Choriphyllini)

Choriphyllum wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong,  

in Skejo, Yong, Bogić et Kasalo, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/dez.70.98982

 x.com/Ske_Jo

 

Abstract

The tribe Choriphyllini Cadena-Castañeda & Silva, 2019 consists of only two genera, Choriphyllum Serville, 1838 and Phyllotettix Hancock, 1902b, combining leaf-like Caribbean wide-nosed pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae, Cladonotinae). The genus Choriphyllum has four species, C. bahamense Perez-Gelabert & Otte, 1999 from the Bahamas (Hummingbird Cay Island), and C. sagrai Serville, 1838, C. saussurei Bolívar, 1887 and C. wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong, sp. nov. from Cuba. The gender of C. bahamensis is changed to C. bahamense in order to match the grammatical gender of the genus, which is neuter. Silva’s designation of C. sagrai, the type species of Choriphyllum, as nomen dubium in 2019 was incorrect as Serville’s drawing clearly points to this species, endemic to Cuba, so nothing about its identity is doubtful. The genus Phyllotettix is endemic to Jamaica, where four species live: P. rhombeus (Felton, 1765), P. foliatus (Hancock, 1902a), P. compressus (Thunberg, 1815) and P. plagiatus (Walker, 1871), comb. nov. of Choriphyllum plagiatum. Choriphyllum westwoodi Hancock, 1902a, syn. nov. is synonymous with Phyllotettix rhombeus and not with P. compressus. A new subgenus is established, Phyllotettix (Rhombotettix) subgen. nov. for P. (R.) plagiatus comb. nov. and P. (R.) rhombeus. A new species complex, Phyllotettix (compressus) sp. complex nov. is established for two morphologically close species, P. compressus, and P. foliatus; while another new species complex, Choriphyllum (sagrai) sp. complex nov. includes C. sagrai and C. wallaceum sp. nov. An annotated key to genera, subgenera, species groups and species is provided.

Key Words: Alfred Russel Wallace, Bahamas, complex, Choriphyllum, Cuba, iNaturalist, Jamaica, new species, Phyllotettix, revision, species group, subgenus, synonym

Choriphyllum (sagrai) wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong, sp. nov.

 

Vernacular name: Wallace’s Cuban Dancing Leaf

“Choriphyllum seoanei”, not published “new species” by Bolívar (París 1994: 255). Taxonomic and nomenclatural history.

Etymology: Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the father of biogeography, modern evolutionary thought and a contributor to many fields of biology. The species name is a neuter gender adjective, second Latin declension, derived from Wallace, i.e. wallaceus, wallacea, wallaceum. The specific epithet celebrates the 200th anniversary of Alfred Russel Wallace birth (8 January 1823).

....

A new species complex, Phyllotettix (compressus) sp. complex nov.

 P. compressus, and P. foliatus; 

 A new species complex, Choriphyllum (sagrai) sp. complex nov. 

C. sagrai and C. wallaceum sp. nov. 

Josip Skejo, Sheyla Yong, Domagoj Bogić and Niko Kasalo. 2023. Caribbean Pygmy Jumping Leaves (Tetrigidae, Cladonotinae, Choriphyllini). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 70(1): 129-141. DOI: 10.3897/dez.70.98982

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